Here’s where I’ve decided to allocate my charitable giving this year: toy gift cards for children in Tohoku.

By no means is this a solicitation for a donation, and I appreciate that many of you are already overwhelmed with opportunities for charity during this holiday season. With that caveat, if you’re looking to for another, here’s a cause that I endorse for a region that has become dear to me.

My alma mater, ASIJ, has organized an effort to bring holiday cheer to the many Tohoku children and families still suffering from the effects of earthquake, tsunami and subsequent radiation issues that continue to negatively impact their daily life. Since March 2011 ASIJ’s relief efforts have focused on improving the lives of the children in the affected areas. Their work to date includes: Hosting Christmas and Halloween carnivals in Ishinomaki, virtual English lessons with Sakari Elementary School in Ofunato, a Saturday English program for Iwaki City evacuees in Tokyo, recreational evacuation programs for the children of Fukushima City, and participation in a summer day camp by children from Ishinomaki and Iwaki. This Holiday Toys project represents a continuation of ASIJ’s support of the children of Tohoku.

Collections of monetary donations for this project remain open until December 18.

Happy holidays to all.

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